We are called together to win the lost and to edify the saints. In order to do so, we need to do our best to become more mature every day in our faith. This call to maturity is essential for navigating the trials and tribulations that life will inevitably bring.
The Call to Maturity
Maturity in the Christian faith is not a gimmick or a superficial goal. It is a profound and necessary aspect of our spiritual journey. In Pastor Jim’s sermon, he emphasized that maturity is “not something we sit here and tell you to do. It’s something you need to do. It’s something you’ve been called to do.” This calling is rooted in the understanding that life is filled with unexpected challenges and “what-if” moments. When these moments arise, our level of maturity will determine how we respond.
Preparedness in Trials
One of the key points made in the sermon is the importance of being prepared for trials. Jim noted, “So that when trials come, when struggles come, when the “what-if” moments come, when the unexpected happens, you’ll be prepared so that the unexpected trial doesn’t rock your world to the point where it knocks you completely off your foundation and you wonder what world you’re in or why did this happen to me.” This preparedness is not about avoiding difficulties but about being spiritually equipped and ready to handle them, to learn from them, and ultimately to grow spiritually because of them.
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who faced significant trials but remained steadfast because of their maturity and faith. For instance, the Apostle Paul endured countless hardships, yet he could say, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). His maturity in Christ allowed him to face adversity with unwavering faith.
Attaining the Fullness of Christ
The ultimate goal of our spiritual maturity is to attain “the whole measure of the fullness of Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13). This is not some unattainable ideal but a promise that we can achieve through persistent growth and dedication. Jim reminded us, “Until we experience the trials and struggles, we won’t know how we will do. But guess what? We will attain maturity if we follow God’s Word and apply it. But we have to keep on keeping on.”
This journey towards the fullness of Christ is a continuous process. It requires daily commitment and a willingness to grow. As Jim pointed out, “It’s our mission. It’s our passion. It’s your daily walk.” This daily walk involves engaging with Scripture, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and actively living out our faith.
The Role of Community
Maturity is not a solitary endeavor. We are called to grow together as a community of believers. Jim’s sermon emphasized the importance of unity and collective growth: “Even with all of our different gifts… we are called together to win the lost and to edify the saints.” Each member of the body of Christ has a unique role to play, and our collective maturity strengthens the entire community. No gift is too small or unnecessary. All gifts are needed for the Church to be healthy and effective.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, underscores this point: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16). Our growth and maturity are interconnected, and we are called to support and encourage one another in this journey.
Jim’s sermon reinforces this point by highlighting the transformative power of God’s grace, the importance of community and unity, and the understanding that we are part of a bigger story. As we grow in our faith and maturity, like Paul, we too can learn to be content in all circumstances, knowing that we are supported by God’s grace and the fellowship of believers.
Practical Steps to Maturity
To master maturity and unlock our potential to overcome obstacles, we must take practical steps in our daily lives. Here are a few key practices:
- Engage with Scripture: Regularly reading and meditating on the Bible is foundational to our growth. The Word of God provides wisdom, guidance, and strength for our journey.
- Prayer: Maintaining a consistent prayer life keeps us connected to God and aligns our hearts with His will. Prayer is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and preparedness.
- Fellowship: Actively participating in a community of believers provides support, accountability, and encouragement. We grow stronger together.
- Service: Using our gifts to serve others helps us mature and reflects the love of Christ. Service is a practical expression of our faith and maturity.
- Perseverance: The journey to maturity is ongoing. We must remain committed and persevere through challenges, trusting that God is at work in us.
Call to Action
Mastering maturity is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, community, and a deep reliance on God. Each day brings us many small opportunities to practice what we have learned as Christians and apply it to our daily situations. As Jim clearly stated, “It’s not just some tall tale. It’s not a giant unattainable goal we try to attempt. We can attain it.” By embracing this call to maturity, we unlock our potential to overcome obstacles and live out our faith with resilience, power, and grace.
Let’s commit to this journey, supporting one another and striving daily to grow in the fullness of Christ. In doing so, we will be prepared for whatever comes our way, standing firm on the foundation of our faith and reflecting the love and maturity of Jesus to the world around us.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this journey of grace and unity. Together, let’s embrace the unearned blessings of God and share His love with those around us.
